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New contract for Barclay

Date published: October 13 2015

Scarlets have announced that Scotland back-row John Barclay has penned a new contract keeping him in Wales for the 2016/17 season and beyond.

Back-rower Barclay was named man of the match in the opening round victory over PRO12 champions Glasgow Warriors, his 50th appearance for the club and a victory that brought to an end Glasgow's 20-game winning streak at Scotstoun Stadium.

The contract extension sees him join a strong pool of international players already signed up for the 2016/17 season at Parc y Scarlets. Captain Ken Owens leads that impressive group including Jake Ball, Rob Evans, Rhodri Jones, Samson Lee and Liam Williams.

29-year-old Barclay has proved to be an invaluable asset for the Scarlets since joining the region in the pre-season of 2013/14 but was left out of Scotland's final 31-man squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

"It is fantastic to see John committing his future to the region given the experience that he brings to the environment," head coach Wayne Pivac told the Scarlets website.

"John gives us a great service across the back-row as he plays equally as well at 7, 6 or 8. Despite playing half the season in the number 8 position he was still named in the top three players for turnovers in the PRO12 last season. He's a leader on the field and a leader in our group."

Barclay added: "I'm delighted to have extended my contract with the Scarlets. It's a great place to play and live and we've really settled in as a family.

"The investment in the environment in recent times is proof that the region has ambitions to succeed at the highest level and it's a great place for myself to continue developing as a player. We are fortunate to have a group of talented young players here; the truth is I'm learning a lot off the new guys and it's really fun to play with them."